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University of Toronto

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience

·April 30, 2024·4 min read

Enhancing Neurogenesis for Parkinson’s Treatment

Researchers have pioneered a method to enhance the generation of dopaminergic neurons, crucial for Parkinson’s disease treatment, by targeting specific receptors within the Wnt signaling pathway. Using synthetic antibodies, the team successfully directed stem cell differentiation in the midbrain to produce these key neurons, which are instrumental in brain health and depleted in Parkinson’s patients.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·April 26, 2024·5 min read

Cannabis Users Stay Motivated: Lazy Stoner Myth Debunked

A new study challenges the stereotype that chronic cannabis users are lazy and unmotivated. The research surveyed 260 frequent users and found no significant drop in their motivation or effort levels while high compared to when sober.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·December 2, 2023·4 min read

Link Between Childhood Adversity and Muscle Dysmorphia in Youth

A new study reveals a significant association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia in adolescents and young adults. The research highlights how ACEs, such as domestic violence and emotional abuse, can lead to the pathological pursuit of muscularity as a coping mechanism.

Featured Neuroscience Pain Psychology

·November 10, 2023·5 min read

Aching for Accord: Pain Influences Politics

Research reveals an unusual correlation between pain sensitivity and political openness. Pain-sensitive individuals tend to endorse values and show support for politicians typically associated with the opposing political camp.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 14, 2023·6 min read

Live Music Outperforms Recorded Shows for Infant Engagement

The magic of live performances is not lost on infants, as new research suggests that live music captivates them more than recorded versions of the same show. Researchers noticed synchronized heart rates and enhanced engagement among babies who watched a live baby opera versus those who viewed the same performance on a recording.

Featured Neuroscience Visual Neuroscience

·June 29, 2023·5 min read

Hot Spots for Vision: Warmer Climates Linked to Eye Health Issues

American seniors residing in warmer regions are more likely to suffer from severe vision impairment compared to their counterparts in cooler areas. The odds of serious vision impairment increased incrementally with the rise in average temperature, with a 44% higher risk for those living in regions averaging 60°F or above.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 22, 2023·6 min read

Pay Attention: Kids’ Distraction Helps Them Outshine Adults in Data Retention

Children’s perceived lack of attention may, in fact, make them more efficient than adults in absorbing and retaining information they are instructed to ignore. Researchers discovered children encode secondary information from a given task into their brains, in contrast to adults who focus strictly on the assigned task.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 7, 2023·6 min read

Social Participation Paves the Way for Successful Aging

A recent study found a correlation between social participation and successful aging among people aged 60 and above. The researchers discovered that those engaged in volunteer work or recreational activities were more likely to maintain excellent health over a three-year period.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 23, 2023·3 min read

Beyond Surviving: Thriving Mental Health among Childhood Physical Abuse Survivors

New research offers a promising perspective on mental health among survivors of childhood physical abuse, with nearly two-thirds reporting a state of "psychological flourishing." This study underscores the remarkable resilience within this population.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 5, 2023·5 min read

Novel Proteins Designed With Generative AI

Researchers developed an AI system called ProteinSGM, which uses generative diffusion to create entirely new therapeutic proteins. The model learns from image representations to generate fully new proteins that appear to be biophysically real, meaning they fold into configurations that enable them to carry out specific functions within cells. The researchers hope the system will help advance the field of generative biology, promising to speed drug development by making the design and testing of entirely new therapeutic proteins more efficient and flexible.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·February 10, 2023·3 min read

Dry Scooping: A Risky Dietary Practice Common Among Adolescents and Young Adults

"Dry scooping" or directly consuming pre-workout drink powders without adding liquid is becoming an increasingly concerning dietary fad in young adolescents and young adults. Dry scooping has been associated with extremely negative health outcomes including risk of inhalation, cardiac abnormalities, and digestive issues.